How large are Giardia cysts?

Giardia cysts typically range from 7 to 11 microns in size, making this answer accurate. Understanding the size of Giardia cysts is crucial in environmental health, particularly when assessing water quality and the potential for contamination.

Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that can cause giardiasis, a gastrointestinal infection. The cysts are the resilient, infectious form of the organism, and their size is significant because it determines how they can be filtered from water or detected in diagnostic procedures. Cysts of this size are small enough to pass through standard filtration systems meant for larger particles but still detectable under a microscope, which is important for identifying contaminated water sources.

The other options suggest sizes that do not accurately reflect the known dimensions of Giardia cysts, highlighting the importance of having precise measurements when considering the threat posed by these pathogens in the environment. Correct identification and understanding of their size can help in implementing effective water treatment and public health measures.